TNR’s Jonathan Cohn talks to Congressional staffers who say that reconciliation instructions for healthcare WILL be included in the budget.
The House and Senate will have until October 15 to reach a healthcare reform deal without the fast-track option. If they can’t, reconciliation rules take effect and the bar drops from 60 votes to 51.
The deal was hatched late afternoon and last night, in a five-hour negotiating session at the office of Senate Majoriy Leader Harry Reid. A trio of White House officials were there: Rahm Emanuel, Peter Orszag, and Phil Schiliro. Also present, along with Reid, were House Budget Chairman John Spratt and Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad.